10 BEST Things to Do in Downtown Santa Barbara

One of my favorite downtown areas is in the seaside city of Santa Barbara in California.

Santa Barbara has a uniquely mediterranean feel, and was completely rebuilt after the 1925 earthquake in a unifying Spanish Colonial style. Think white stucco buildings, red tiled roofs, lush landscaping and enchanting courtyards with fountains.

I always walk up and down State Street in downtown Santa Barbara for the best selection of shops and restaurants, and follow it all the way to the end of Stearns Wharf for Pacific Ocean views.

Things to do in Downtown Santa Barbara

I'd recommend starting your exploration of Santa Barbara's downtown, along gorgeous State Street. You might also consider a stay in one of the downtown hotels, like the swanky Hotel Californian with a rooftop pool. From here you can walk to top attractions like the exceptional Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and enjoy soaring views from the observation tower at the Santa Barbara Courthouse.

One of my new favorite things to do near downtown Santa Barbara, is follow Yanonali Street all the way to the Funk Zone district. I had so much fun in this former industrial area, exploring boutiques, restaurants, wine tasting rooms and galleries in renovated warehouses.

It also took me a few visits to downtown Santa Barbara to realize there are some excellent museums here. I got a feel for Santa Barbara's early history when I toured a Spanish Colonial family home at Casa de la Guerra (1828). It was impeccably preserved with lots of rooms to explore. I also had a chance to wander through an authentic Spanish Military post at El Presidio (1788), again just a short walk from State Street.

One of the best exhibitions was on Santa Barbara's 1925 earthquake, at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

10 BEST things to do in Downtown Santa Barbara

1. Eat and shop along beautiful State Street.

State Street runs all the way out to Stearns Wharf, and is the commercial heart of Santa Barbara. Explore a bustling street full of shops and restaurants. Some of my top restaurant picks are Loquita (Spanish), Jane (American), and The Cruisery (craft cocktails and healthy dishes) .

State Street has secluded courtyards running off it’s bustling main street. One of the most beautiful is La Arcada Courtyard (see below). The courtyard has a well curated set of shops along a lane-way with bright flower pots, ivy strewn walls and red awnings. The overhead flags add to the colorful display. Enjoy a meal at State & Fig while overlooking the turtle fountain. Afterwards, take a fun photo beside the bronze art statues.

2. Shop at Paseo Nuevo open air mall.

If you need some retail therapy, then head to the open air mall Paseo Nuevo (651 Paseo Nuevo), just off State Street. It has over 50 shops, including Aveda, Gap and Sephora, a movie theater and restaurants. Explore the lovely paseo areas, terraces and courtyards. Climb the Spanish Stairs, then dine alfresco.

3. Visit Funk Zone Santa Barbara.

The former industrial district at the Funk Zone, is walkable from State Street along Yanonali Street. Explore an eclectic mix of wine tasting rooms, breweries, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries in old warehouses. Don't miss the cool interior of Santa Barbara Wine Collective, or the gorgeous garden across the road from Dart Coffee Company. Enjoy the festive vibe at Validation Ale or Lucky Penny Pizza. You will also find quirky shops and galleries like Rodeo Gallery and Dylan Star Boutique.

4. Climb the tower at the Santa Barbara Courthouse.

Just one block from State Street in Downtown Santa Barbara, visit the Santa Barbara Courthouse (1100 Anacapa Street) often recognized as the loveliest government building in America. The ornate, Spanish interior is stunning. You can also climb to the top of the Observation Tower for panoramic views over Santa Barbara. Best of all it’s free!

5. Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (1130 State Street) is also on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. It’s housed in an elegant building that used to be the post office. It has a great selection of 19th and 20th Century European Art, with notable artists like Renoir, Monet and Dali.

6. Take kids to Moxi (Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation).

Another great museum in downtown Santa Barbara is MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation (125 State Street). It’s geared towards kids, with plenty of interactive exhibits. Don’t forget to wander along the spectacular glass rooftop deck.

7. See an underground salt cave at Salt Cave Santa Barbara.

For a completely different experience, stop by the Salt Cave Santa Barbara (740 State Street). Prepare to be wowed by the largest underground crystal salt cave in America. Spa services are available.

8. Tour an 1788 military compound at El Presidio.

This five and a half acre El Presidio fortress is walkable from downtown Santa Barbara, and is the last Spanish presidio (fortress) built during Spain's occupation of Alta California.

See the original family soldier residence at El Cuartel (1782), the second oldest building in California. The Canedo Adobe (1782) is the third oldest building in California, and functioned as an officers' quarters. The other buildings have been reconstructed, and include the Padre's Quarters, Comandante's Quarters, chapel, bell tower and cocina.

9. Visit a family home at Casa de la Guerra (1828).

Visitors can tour an original family home from 1828 at Casa de la Guerra in downtown Santa Barbara. This adobe residence was built around a central courtyard, and was home for prominent trader De La Guerra, his wife and 13 children. He is considered Santa Barbara's first citizen, and is interred beneath the altar at the Santa Barbara Mission.

10. Learn about the 1925 earthquake at Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

The impressive Santa Barbara Historical Museum in downtown, is a must-see. The highlight is the impactful audio-visual presentation on the 1925 earthquake in Santa Barbara. There's also a gallery with rotating art exhibitions, and permanent exhibits on the Story of Santa Barbara.

You can then cross the street to visit Casa Covvarubias (1817), built by a commander of the Santa Barbara presidio.